Our slow cooker lentil soup is a comforting, easy-to-make recipe perfect for busy days. This lentil, sausage, and kale soup lets you toss ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a warm, satisfying meal.

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

When we want something different from the usual weeknight meals — steak and potatoes, pork chops with green beans, or takeout pizza — soups and stews are my go-to. This slow cooker lentil soup is hearty, simple, and forgiving. It started as a “use what we have” recipe and has become a staple because the lentil-and-broth base is reliably delicious. Feel free to adapt the ingredients to what you have on hand.

Does It Matter What Type of Lentil I Use?

Yes — the type of lentil affects texture. Green and brown lentils hold their shape well and give the soup a firmer bite. Red and yellow (split) lentils break down more during cooking and create a softer, slightly thicker or more stew-like consistency. For this recipe, choose green or brown if you like distinct lentils, or red/yellow if you prefer a smoother, almost pureed texture.

Variations of the Lentil and Kale Soup

The recipe’s base is versatile. Small swaps change the flavor profile and tailor the soup to dietary preferences:

• Use andouille or chorizo instead of chicken sausage for a spicier, smokier flavor.
• Add diced carrots for color and extra fiber.
• Use Rotel tomatoes for added heat and a tangy note.
• Swap chicken broth for beef, vegetable broth, or even tomato juice to change the soup’s richness.
• Use red or yellow lentils for a softer texture.
• Substitute spinach for kale if you prefer a milder leafy green.

Can This Be Vegan?

Yes. Lentils provide excellent plant-based protein and convert this soup into a hearty vegan option with just a few changes.

To make the soup vegan:

• Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
• Replace the sausage with a vegan sausage (Field Roast, Beyond Meat, or similar), or omit sausage entirely and add fennel, sage, and smoked paprika for savory depth.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Yield:
6 Servings

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
4 hours

Total Time:
4 hours 10 minutes

This slow cooker lentil soup is a hands-off, filling meal that’s ideal for busy schedules. Toss everything in the slow cooker and return hours later to a savory, ready-to-serve soup.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken sausage, cooked
• 1 pound brown lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegan)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 2–3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cups kale, rinsed, stems removed and chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set the slow cooker to HIGH. Add the cooked sausage, chopped celery, chopped onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
2. Add the diced tomatoes.
3. Add the lentils and broth. Do not add the kale or salt yet; waiting to salt lets you taste and adjust at the end.
4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours. In the last 20 minutes, stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 250

More Delicious Soup Recipes

Soups are a frequent favorite here because they’re simple to prepare and often lighter and more budget-friendly than many entrees. If you enjoy this lentil soup, try other comforting soups to expand your rotation.

• Instant Pot Triple Bean Soup — another hearty, economical option.
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup — a creamy classic that’s always popular.
• Keto Chicken Enchilada Soup — bold flavors that don’t need many sides.

Try another dish: Instant Pot Jamaican Pork